Author In Focus: Anthea McLaughlin-Brown
ZigZagEducation.co.uk | PublishMeNow.co.uk
| Science: | Biology |
| Science: | Chemistry |
| Top Resource: | International Baccalaureate Topic Tests for Biology Theme D |
Anthea holds an MA in Education, and completed her PGCE in 2015 from Birmingham City University. She has over a decade of teaching experience across a range of international and UK settings. Anthea began her career teaching GCSE Science and A Level Biology in the UK before moving abroad to teach in Sweden and Qatar. During this time, she taught a variety of curricula, including the Swedish curriculum, IGCSEs, American curriculum Biology, and AP Biology. She also holds a BSc in Medical Genetics from Queen Mary, University of London.
"this role was a natural fit"
Anthea recently returned to the UK and is now transitioning to a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Alongside her teaching career, she has examined GCSE Chemistry papers for AQA, mentored early career teachers, and supported students with professional commitments outside of school, helping them balance their studies and vocational aspirations. She has also worked as a freelance science tutor, providing personalised support to learners across multiple stages.
Anthea decided to join PublishMeNow on the recommendation of a former colleague who had a positive experience creating resources alongside full-time work. She felt like it was a great opportunity for career development, a chance to sharpen a new skill set, and a way to share her subject knowledge beyond the classroom. As someone who also enjoys working independently on projects, for Anthea this role was a natural fit.
"Deadlines are reasonable, and any concerns I’ve had have been listened to and accommodated."
What Anthea appreciates most about working with ZigZag Education is the trust placed in writers to work independently, without micromanagement. Deadlines are reasonable, and she has felt consistently supported by her editor and technical staff, who provide feedback in a professional, diplomatic, and approachable way that fosters growth.
In addition, she appreciates the clarity and transparency in the company's operations, finding their contracts concise and easy to understand.
"I had fun making the resource interactive... I particularly liked finding relevant, engaging visuals and mini case studies from around the world"
Anthea's favourite project has been the Course Companion for BTEC Level 3 AAQ Applied Science Unit 6. Despite being a new project with many changes and uncertainties at the start – mainly due to shifts in government policy – once expectations were clarified, she really enjoyed creating it.
She told us she had fun making the resource interactive with questions and tasks throughout, and that she particularly liked finding relevant, engaging visuals and mini case studies from around the world to highlight the global application of science.
"There’s a genuine sense of being part of a team."
Overall, for Anthea, working with ZigZag Education has been a great introduction to the world of educational writing and publishing. She feels there's a genuine sense of being part of a team.
Thank you, Anthea!